The information presented below was obtained from the American Community Survey, which replaced the long-form Census beginning in 2003. Instead of one, point-in-time survey, the American Community Survey (ACS) sends out thousands of surveys every month throughout the year.

The ACS asks respondents, 'At any time in the last 3 months, has this person attended school?'. Because surveys are sent out on a monthly schedule, some of the data shown below will refer to the previous year.

Schools supported and controlled primarily by a local, county, state or federal government are defined as public. Those supported and controlled primarily by religious organizations or for-profit institutions are considered private.

What this chart shows: Percentage of 3- and 4-Year Olds Enrolled in Preschool in Larimer County, 2005-2011

What the above data tell us:

In twoof the last seven years (2005 and 2007), the percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds in Larimer County enrolled in preschool was below 50%. The 7-year average of 52.7% was above the average for the nation (47.8%) and the state (46.4%).

Caution should be exercised in using these annual statistics because the margin of error runs between +/-8.2% (2006) and +/-12.0% (2011).

Some of the benefits [pdf] of enrolling children in preschool include higher test scores, better social skills, and higher graduation rates. In 2011, Colorado [pdf] was ranked 21st in the nation for four-year-olds and 11th for three-year-olds enrolled in a pre-kindergarten, Head Start, or IDEA Preschool grant program, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. In 2010, 26% of Colorado's three- and four-year-olds attended a preschool program. Florida [pdf] was ranked first in the country for the number of four-year-olds (76%) enrolled in state preschool.

What this chart shows: Percentage of Larimer County 3- and 4-Year Olds Enrolled in School by Type of Preschool, 2005-2011

What the above data tell us:

On average, less than one-third of enrolled preschoolers (29%) were in a public preschool such as Head Start over the last 7 years. The availability of funding is often cited as the primary reason for not having more children enrolled in public preschool.

What this chart shows: Percentage of 3- and 4-Year Olds Enrolled in Preschool in Fort Collins and Loveland, 2008-2011

What the above data tell us:

Since 2008, the percentage of 3- and 4-year olds enrolled in preschool has declined roughly 19% in Fort Collins and 26% in Loveland. It is possible that the recession is responsible for the decline as parents who are not working have limited resources to spend on preschool.

What this chart shows: Percentage of 3- and 4-Year Olds Enrolled in School by Type of Preschool in Fort Collins & Loveland, 2009-2011 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates